8 shows worth the drive from SouthCoast

Alright SouthCoast music fans, it’s time once again for our occasional special feature here at Spotlight: Shows Worth The Drive! (Cue the “vrooom vrooom!” sound effects.)

We’re blessed here in SouthCoast in that we not only have our own great venues, but we have relatively easy access to some major venues and A-list artists.

I started this occasional series after hearing from loyal Spotlight readers who want to know what’s going on in terms of big name concerts within driving distance.

More than I can say, I truly appreciate you looking for all your music news here in Coastin’.

And so I’m here to serve.

I kept my picks to within an hour from New Bedford, and all within the upcoming four weeks, and in a smattering of genres.

So whether you’re jumping into a tie-dye VW van, or a two-door Honda, here are eight shows worth the drive. Let’s ride…

First Quick Mention…

I really wanted to add legendary Steve Earle here — his work with Townes Van Zandt alone qualifies the Grammy-winner as a legend in my book, never mind that his songs have been recorded by everyone from Johnny Cash to Emmylou Harris. But, alas, his Feb. 10 show at City Winery Boston is sold out. I decided to stick him in quickly here because A: You can add your name to the wait list, should tickets become available, and B: there are still tickets available for the meet-and-greet.

Distance from New Bedford, 1 hour. 80 Beverly St. at One Canal, Boston. 617-933-8047. https://citywinery.com

I’M WITH HER

Feb. 15, Boston

You guys know by now, I love bluegrass and old-time folk. This is a millennial bluegrass-folk-roots supergroup composed of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan.

Aoife, by the way, is the daughter of Brian O’Donovan, who just gave us a fantastic Christmas show at New Bedford’s Zeiterion.

Since this trio formed in 2014 — yes, they had their name before it was a campaign slogan — they’ve simply crushed it, hailed by the New York Times and Rolling Stone alike. Each of these three are talented — together they’re other-worldly. YouTube their NPR Tiny Desk Concert.

PS: Love that this concert is presented by WUMB. I grew up on folk and bluegrass from this station.

Distance from New Bedford: 1 hour. At House of Blues, 15 Landsdowne St., Boston. 7p.m. Tickets from $29.50. http://www.houseofblues.com/boston/concert-events

JOHN MELLENCAMP

Feb. 22, Providence, R.I.

This is big, and it’s right down Rt. 195 at PPAC. I saw Mellencamp — he dropped the “Cougar” — a few years back when he toured with Bob Dylan, and he was fantastic.

One of the founders of Farm Aid with Neil Young and Willie Nelson, and an ’08 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Mellencamp is a rock-radio hit-maker, with a poetic nostalgia for Main Street USA.

Everyone knows his songs. (You’re singing one of them in your head right now, aren’t you?) They’re stand-up-and-dance crowd-sing-alongs. That’s a surefire signal you’re headed for a helluva good concert.

Alert, alert, alert! Let me sound the folk-rock Bat-Signal from the highest building! Two icons, one stage, 35 minutes from New Bedford.

Let me find the word I’m looking for here… ummmm… GO.

Lyle Lovett is an American treasure. He is wordsmith, poet, actor, guitarist, Julia Roberts' ex-husband, dead-ringer for Woody Guthrie, quiet Western swagger with Dixie swing. I love him. “If I Had A Boat” may be one of my favorite songs.

And don’t get me started on John Hiatt. He could sing “Happy Birthday” all night and I’d hand him my money. One of the richest voices you could ask for, a master lyricist to boot.

I usually don’t talk cover bands here, but I’ll make an exception for three that look awesome: Wicked Petty, a Tom Petty tribute band plays a $10 all-ages show at The Met in Pawtucket, R.I. Tom is no longer with us, but his music lives on.

Also at The Met, two Grateful Dead cover bands: Violin River plays a free show from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 17; Playing Dead will rock March 2. (Doors 8 p.m., show 9 p.m. $10 advance, $12 door.)

PATTON OSWALT

MARCH 2, Providence, R.I.

I’ll leave you with something a little different: stand-up.

I love Oswalt. One of the best Tweeters on Twitter, and he’s just got a sweet soul.

An Emmy and Grammy nominee/bestselling author with a Netflix special under his belt, he’s apt to pop up anywhere, from HBO’s “Veep” to NBC's cult classic “Parks and Recreation,” and he always brings the laughs.

YouTube his ad-libbed scene cut from “Parks and Recreation.” Gold.

At The VETS, 8 p.m. Tickets from $39.50. http://www.thevetsri.com/events

Lauren Daley is a freelance writer and Spotlight music columnist. Contact her at ldaley33@gmail.com. Follow her at https://www.facebook.com/daley.writer She tweets @laurendaley1.

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